Single: Maxo Kream – “5200”

Houston’s Underground Hero Shows Why You Can’t Knock His Hustle on the Ethereal New Track

8.25.2017

Critical Praise for Maxo Kream:

“Over the last couple years, Maxo Kream has established himself as one of Houston’s most exciting young rappers by way of being one of Houston’s least traditionally minded artists.” – Noisey

“A sinister and visceral portrait of Houston street life.” – Pitchfork

The Song:

With a metronomic flow and a keen eye for detail, Maxo Kream is one of the most promising and original emcees bubbling under the surface of the mainstream. Returning to the scene with his second single of 2017, Maxo reveals the true extent of his hustling prowess on “5200.” Rhyming over ethereal vocal samples evocative of the production of Clams Casino, Friendzone and other luminaries of the Cloud Rap movement, Maxo ably fills the tracks negative space with his inventive rhymes, counting off his numerous methods for earning paper. Creatively placing his words between the snapping snares, Maxo flexes his rap muscles over the angelic canvas with his ever-changing flows: “Switch the mojo/Work my move/Regardless, I’ll sell everything/Trap like Wal-Mart/Don’t you try to Target/Keep a Supa K.” “5200” is a worthy follow-up to “Grannies,” Maxo’s startlingly personal previous release, which has grown into Maxo’s biggest hit yet, earning over 3 million plays on Spotify and spending several weeks on the Most Necessary playlist.

After breaking out in 2015 with the critically acclaimed Maxo 187, Maxo Kream elevated his artistry with The Persona Tape, released in June 2016. Featuring appearances from fellow Houston rapper Paul Walland rising Atlanta rappers Playboi Carti, Key!, and Rich the Kid, the tape finds Maxo Kream exploring the intricacies of his public profile and how he is perceived. “Your persona is how you carry yourself,” said Maxo Kream to Complex. “It tells people everything about who you are, so it’s more important than a social security number. This tape is everything I’m about. Persona shit.” Featuring tracks such as the grime-tinged “Big Worm,” which earned co-signs from Skepta and Wiley, and garnered nearly 1.7 million SoundCloud plays in the process, and video singles such as “G3” and “Smoke Break,” The Persona Tape was one of the most celebrated rap releases of the year. Also in 2016, Maxo toured the nation with Danny Brown, and provided a guest verse to “Running Man,” the first Cool Kids track since 2011. Maxo will make further strides in 2017, refining his aesthetic, perfecting his bars, and winning new fans in the process.

Listen to “5200”: https://soundcloud.com/maxo-kream/5200a-1 || https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/5200-single/id1275473564

Stream Persona Tape on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/maxo-kream/sets/persona-tape

Please contact Michelle or Dharmic if interested in talking with Maxo Kream.

Maxo Kream Background:

Upon meeting him, gangsta rapper isn’t the impression that most would get from buzzing Houston emcee, Maxo Kream, age 27. He has a surprisingly goofy and playful demeanor, often cracking self-aware jokes and displaying a smile which showcases either his gold grin or his trademark gap in the upper row of this teeth. But, make no mistake, Maxo’s backstory is a tale consisting of crime and death that would catch the attention of the most jaded followers of gangsta/trap rap.

Inspired by his college trip to SXSW and the fact that other street cliques throughout Houston such as FDAB (founded by late rapper T.O.Y, a childhood friend and Crip associate of Maxo) and MashMode (which has now resulted in the buzzing careers of Houston rap duo, The Sauce Twinz) were transitioning into music as a form of expression, Maxo and his younger cousin Lyndon (rap moniker Lyndo C), jumped into music. Maxo Kream’s sophomore project, #Maxo187 garnered attention with its unrelenting lyricism and exceptional production. With big name features and unmatched confidence, Maxo intends to show that he can compete with any emcee in the game.